The Women Executive wing of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Cape Coast (UCC) branch, in collaboration with the Centre for Gender Research Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD-UCC), has organised a talk for pupils of Apewosika M/A Basic School to mark this year’s International Day for the Girl Child on the theme: “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the Front Lines of Crisis.”
Marked globally every October 11, the International Day of the Girl Child highlights the achievements of girls while pushing for reforms that safeguard their rights and wellbeing.
The commemoration also witnessed the donation of books to the students.
The Vice-President of UTAG-UCC, Dr. (Mrs.) Joana Eva Doodoo, said it was a celebration of the strength, resilience, and determination of girls all over the world - girls who know what they want are unafraid to pursue their dreams.
She noted that, “girls face many challenges from societal expectations, physical appearance (beauty standards) to systemic barriers such as poverty, high dropout rate due to pregnancy, exposure to violence and abuse.”
However, to encourage the girls, she urged them to "speak up and demand to be heard." This is a call to action that reinforces the importance of giving girls a platform to express their thoughts, feelings, and aspirations.
Vice-President of UTAG-UCC, Dr. (Mrs.) Joana Eva Doodoo
She stated that every girl, no matter her background, had the power to drive positive change, even in difficult times.
“Stand strong against societal vices like premarital sex, early marriage, peer pressure, cultism and any behaviour that seeks to undermine your potential,” she added.
Dr. Doodo tasked adults, policymakers, and leaders to create safe spaces free from violence, harassment, exploitation and discrimination where girls can thrive and grow without fear.
“Empowering girls is empowering humanity,” she said.
She also touched on the potential of the girl child, urging the girls to continue pursuing their dreams, reminding them of their inbuilt capacity to attain greater heights.
On her part, the Director of CEGRAD, Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah, charged the girl-child to challenge all the norms and biases detrimental to her growth and development.
She encouraged girls to embrace leadership roles and reject intimidation.
"Lead the change in the classroom. Take leadership roles. Stand up for yourself and work hard. Never limit yourselves because you’re a girl,” she said.
Prof. Amissah challenged inequality and advocated for gender-inclusive development policies.
She advised the girls to recognise their potential to effect positive change through education.
Director of CEGRAD-UCC, Prof. Eunice Fay Amissah
“Every girl possesses the strength, intelligence and courage to drive change, even in adversity,” she affirmed,urging the boys to support the girls.
“The International Day of the Girl Child celebrates your resilience, potential and power to create lasting impact.”
She underscored the importance of empowering girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), urging them to take up active roles in these critical disciplines.
The Headteacher of the School, Miss. Elizabeth Millicent Brew-Wartemberg, commended UTAG and CEGRAD for promoting inclusive education and supporting initiatives that empowered boys and girls across the Central Region.
She also thanked UTAG and CEGRAD for the donation.
The Women Executive Officer, Prof. (Mrs.) Martha Osei-Marfo, on her part, encouraged the students to take their studies seriously to climb the academic ladder.
She reminded Ghanaians that “every girl deserves the chance to dream, learn, and lead.”
UTAG-UCC Women Executive Officer, Prof. (Mrs.) Martha Osei-Marfo (L) presenting books to headteacher of the School, Miss. Elizabeth Millicent Brew-Wartemberg (R)
At the event, other faculty members of UCC delivered motivational speeches drawn from their personal journeys of resilience, dedication and service, inspiring the students to dream big and pursue their aspirations with courage and focus.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC